Attorneys Urge Lawmakers to Reject Mandatory Arbitration Bill, Advance Survivor-Focused Alternative

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Attorneys Becky Roe and Elizabeth Hanley of the law firm Schroeter Goldmark & Bender are urging Washington state lawmakers to reject SB 6239, which would require mandatory arbitration for a broad range of tort claims against the state. Instead, they have proposed legislation to establish a Historical Abuse Pre-Filing Claims Commission, which would create a structured evaluation process conducted by trained neutral decision-makers, promote early accountability and fair settlement, and preserve survivors' right to pursue their claims in court if resolution is not reached.

Why it matters

The proposed commission is designed to directly address the needs of survivors of historical abuse, minimizing re-traumatization while preserving meaningful access to justice. This is seen as a more survivor-centered approach compared to the mandatory arbitration proposed in SB 6239, which could create duplicative proceedings, increase costs and delays, and ultimately risk retraumatizing survivors.

The details

Hanley and Roe have proposed legislation to establish a Historical Abuse Pre-Filing Claims Commission, which would provide a fair, efficient, and trauma-informed process for survivors of historical abuse to seek resolution with the state. The commission would be structured as a five-year pilot program, with annual reporting to the legislature to assess outcomes, timelines, costs, and effectiveness.

• On February 13, 2026, Hanley testified in Olympia in opposition to SB 6239.
• The proposed Historical Abuse Pre-Filing Claims Commission is intended to be a five-year pilot program.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.